Sunday, August 02, 2015, 5:33 p.m.

Environmental company contracts with LR to pick up storm debris

LITTLE ROCK  The city of Little Rock has contracted Ceres Environmental to assist in the cleaning of debris left from the historic winter storm that occurred Dec. 25.

A news release from the city states this action follows President Barack Obama signing into effect a FEMA declaration, which will allow the city to be reimbursed for the work.

“Little Rock residents will quickly see a demonstrable increase in the amount of storm debris being picked up daily,” City Manager Bruce Moore said in the release. “The contract with Ceres Environmental is for 160 days; however, we expect them to finish before then.”

The city plans to give Ceres maps of where the city has picked up debris, and Ceres will make complete sweeps of the city. Once the second sweep occurs, city officials will notify the public so residents can place their remaining debris on the curb for pick-up.

In January, city officials told Arkansas Online that clean-up efforts began in every ward at an initial location, moved to the boundaries of the area and then back again. The city planned to repeat this process until all debris was collected.

At the time, the estimated amount of debris was in the hundreds of tons.

The release states that Ceres will decide when the pick-up begins. Residents are advised to not call 311 or report any more storm debris to the city now that the duties have been relinquished to an independent contractor. The city public works department will now resume normal operations.

Residents who want to drop-off debris may still do so at the open locations at Reservoir and Interstate Parks, according to the release.

The contract was bid out, and Ceres won with a $47.44-per-ton qualifying bid.

To assist, Ceres will deploy 15-20 specialized trucks, complete with self-loading brooms and beds that are able to hold a high volume of debris.

They picked up some small piles I left out. But it wasn't much more than what I'd leave out any other time. I've seen similar piles elsewhere that still remain. So I dunno. I don't get why the city can't pick up what they can first.